Friday, January 10, 2014

Author Interview: Rula Sinara: The Promise Of Rain

After a childhood enriched with exotic travels and adventures (both in books and real life), Rula Sinara is now settled in rural Virginia with her husband, three boys and crazy but endearing pets. When she's not writing, she's busy attracting wildlife to her yard, watching romantic movies (despite male protests) or researching trees on her garden wish list. Her debut, The Promise of Rain (Harlequin Heartwarming), just released January 1st…the perfect start to a New Year.

Welcome Rula!

Please share some of the best memories of your childhood.

I loved reading (still do, of course) and I cherish every moment I spent lost in a book. I really wish kids today would unplug more. On one hand, it’s great that techy devices spark reading interest in some kids who might not otherwise read, but nothing can replace the feeling of a real book in your hands. However, whatever it takes, every child should have the chance to build memories of being whisked away to some glorious, fictional world.

What is your biggest source of inspiration in life?

Everything. Seriously. I’m such an infinitesimally small speck in this world that everything around me is a massive source of inspiration. I believe anything—person, animal, place or thing—that activates any one of our senses, is a source of inspiration whether we realize it or not.

What hurts you most in this world?

Cruelty of any kind, ill will, prejudice and racism. Most of the evils in this world are rooted in one of these.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

Hands down it’s raising kids. I think that’s the greatest challenge all parents face. And it’s not just about changing stinky diapers (although that can be challenging in its own way LOL), it’s about the responsibility of raising an informed, responsible, generous, open-minded and loving next generation. Guiding each child down the right path while taking their individual characteristics, strengths and weaknesses into account, is a huge but rewarding challenge.

What is your favorite genre and why?

I read across the board…comedy, classics, non-fiction, literary fiction…you name it…but I really love a well-written romance with a happy ending. We’re plagued with bad news on the radio, TV and the internet. We worry about wars and losing loved ones. Stress is everywhere. People underestimate the value of reading a book about people finding love and a happily ever after. There are also a lot of people who judge or stereotype romances without ever having read one recently. And there are so many subgenres of romance and author styles, you can’t pass a blanket judgement! Romances, like other books, allow you to travel, or to see how others cope with situations like cancer, loss, abuse or discrimination. Serious topics, right? Believe-it-or-not, real life issues are more often than not part of a romance. And the extraordinarily vast readership the genre has makes it a perfect vector for raising both awareness and hope.

Which of your work has been published so far? Would you like to share a synopsis of your work?

The Promise of Rain is my debut novel and it just released on New Year’s Day. I’m thrilled to be a part of Harlequin’s Heartwarming line. I love the fact that as non-inspirational, clean romances (character driven stories without sex or swearing), these stories can be enjoyed by a broad range of readers of all faiths and cultures, from older teens to the elderly. Here’s the back cover copy for The Promise of Rain:

He wants to take her child out of Africa…

The Busara elephant research and rescue camp on Kenya's Serengeti is Anna Bekker's life's work. And it's the last place she thought she'd run into Dr. Jackson Harper. As soon as he sets eyes on her four-year-old, Pippa, Anna knows he'll never leave…without his daughter.

Furious doesn't begin to describe how Jack feels. How could Anna keep this from him? He has to get his child back to the States. Yet as angry as he is with Anna, they still have a bond. But can it endure, despite the ocean—and the little girl—between them?

What are your forthcoming writings?

The Promise of Rain is the first of three books that stand alone but revolve around the same community of family and friends. I’m currently working on the second book (yet to be titled) which is due out January 2015. Book three is scheduled for December 2015.

Your dream destination on Earth?

Gosh, there are soooo many places I want to see that I may change my mind a minute from now…but right this second the Galapagos Islands came to mind. I’ve wanted to go there since I was a kid.

Your favorite time of the day?

Early morning. It’s so peaceful and it’s always a fresh start.

Quickies:

Sun or Moon? Moon

Laughter or Smile? Laughter

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

Mountain or Sea? Sea

Water or Fire? Water

Air or Earth? Earth

State your tagline:

‘Clean Romance, Messy Love’

(After all, we all know love makes the world go round, but boy does it complicate things!)

Thanks so much for having me at your blog, Jaideep! You ask great questions and this has been a lot of fun! Best wishes to all in 2014 J.